I am delighted to be here today to officially open Citywise’s new Education and Outdoor centre here in Jobstown.
The opening of this new centre is in line with the Government’s objective “to improve the level and quality of participation and achievement at every level of education.” By providing the supports necessary to those who might have left the formal education system, or who need that extra helping hand to succeed in their goals, Citywise aims to increase the educational achievements of young people in this area.
As we all recognise here today, education provides the key to unlocking potential – and in particular, the potential of our young people. Through education people gain the confidence necessary to play an active and fulfilling role in society. Education enables them to uncover their many talents and gifts and use them to succeed in life. In order to reach their full potential however, our young people need to be provided with the support and encouragement necessary – be it within school or the wider community – to achieve their personal goals.
And, through this new centre that is exactly what Citywise is aiming to do. Here in Jobstown, you are providing the facilities and services to promote the all-round development of young people. And, by working in the heart of the community, you are best placed, and amongst the best qualified, to address young people’s needs today.
The range of facilities provided in this new centre is certainly impressive. From tutorial rooms to computer and cookery rooms to recreation rooms, a café, workshops and a chapel, you have thought of everything. Here at the centre young people can be assisted in their learning in a friendly and supportive environment, whilst at the same time develop their sporting, technical and social skills amongst other things. This centre represents a proactive and positive response to young people’s needs in Jobstown.
I would like to congratulate all involved in the building and financing of this project. In particular, I would like to pay tribute to Mark Hamilton of Citywise who spearheaded this initiative and has committed much time to fundraising for this centre over the years. I know that over 200 sponsors have committed to this project, which indicates just how much Citywise’s work is valued in the local community. In particular, the lead taken by Bill Durkan, Joe O’Reilly, Mick Whelan, Charlie Kenny and Seán Dunne in coming on board so early encouraged many others to commit to the project as well.
For the fine design and build of the centre, my compliments go to architect, John Deaton of Deaton Lysaght, builders Eamonn Hassett and Co. and quantity surveyor Duffy Gaffney. I know too that much support was received both from local politicians and the local community – including parents and young people who will avail of the facilities. This is a very good example of the partnership approach that can be taken to tackle a wide variety of young people’s needs in an effective and efficient way.
And, the public sector too has played a key role in that partnership. I am delighted that South Dublin County Council was in a position to offer land for the development of this centre, in addition to a capital grant of some €2.6million. I know also that over €841,000 was supplied from the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government and the Department of the Arts, Sports and Tourism for this project. That level of investment indicates the Government’s commitment to tackling issues of disadvantage in communities around the country. We want to ensure that each and every person has access to quality facilities and supports to enable them make the best of life’s possibilities.
Under our Sports Capital Programme, for example, special priority has been given to the development of sports and recreational facilities in areas designated under our RAPID, CLÁR and Local Drugs Taskforce programmes. In the four-year period to 2004, over 1,200 projects located in these areas have received funding in excess of €121m to build quality sporting facilities in their local community. It is widely recognised that initiatives such as these play a very important role in building good community relations and steering young people away from life’s vices.
Furthermore, the Government has put a series of measures in place to tackle early school leaving. The Department of Education and Science’s main programme in this regard is the School Completion Programme. Whilst the programme itself is relatively new, it is clear from analysis of schools that participated in earlier versions of the programme, such as the Early School Leaver Initiative, that they have witnessed significant improvement in their retention rates. Over the period 2000-2002 senior cycle retention in those schools increased by some 6%.
Arising from a full review of the measures that have been put in place to support pupils from disadvantaged areas over the last two decades, the Minister for Education and Science will shortly be publishing a new Action Plan for educational inclusion. The new Action Plan will involve an additional annual investment of €40million and the provision of some 300 additional posts across the education system to ensure educational inclusion for all.
These represent just some of the measures that we in Government have put in place to ensure that all of our young people get the opportunities and support needed to put their best foot forward in life. Citywise represents another significant response to young people’s needs. I wish you all the very best with this venture, and I look forward to hearing of your successes in terms of learning, sport and much more in due course.
Thank you.
27th May 2005
ENDS